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Biology Class Syllabus & Expectations
Contact Information:

Webpage: http://hdjbiology.wikispaces.com

Course Overview and Objectives:
Welcome to the world of Biology! During the next year, we will introduce various topics of life science through laboratory activities, discussions, computer explorations, and lectures. We will cover the topics of Scientific Inquiry, Ecology, Cell structure and function, Genetics, Evolution, and Organisms.
Every unit will include: Note Taking, Book Assignments, Lab Exercises as well as various activities to demonstrate biological concepts. Students are FULLY EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ANY HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THIS COURSE! There are also a couple large group projects that the students need to complete. This includes a video project on Cell Organelles and a brochure on Genetic Diseases. There may be one or two more added as well. This projects will count for a large portion of the students grade.
It is my expectation that by the end of the year, many of your questions will be answered, and many more questions will be formulating in your head for future science inquiry. I advise students to ask relative questions during class about any materials they find confusing. Students are encouraged to use their resources in order to solve problems that they may come across in this course.
At semesters end, I would like for you to have an understanding of how the materials of class can be applied to the living world around you. This will provide you with the fundamental background you need in your future science classes. I also hope that you will have a better understanding on the scientific process!

Materials:
1 ½ inch 3-ring binder and loose leaf paper or notebook!
Highlighters
Colored Pencils
Scientific calculator (optional)
Text Provided
*THESE MATERIALS ARE FOR THIS COURSE ONLY. YOU MAY NOT USE YOUR NOTEBOOK OR BINDER FOR ANY OTHER COURSES!

Grading:
EVERY student is expected to keep their grade sheet for their notebooks with them at all times!(The Pink Sheet) This grade sheet should be kept in their notebooks and brought to class every day!
A student’s grade will be WEIGHTED as follows:
15% Homework
30% Labs/Class work
40% Tests
15% Final Exam

Classroom Guidelines:
Tardy Policy:
  1. You are expected to be in the room before the bell rings. If you are not in the room, you are tardy.
  2. If you are in the room YOU MUST BE SEATED. There are other lab classes that have equipment set out that you need to be very careful with.

Safety:
1. We will go over it, but make sure you read the Flinn Lab Safety Contract before you sign it.
2. Do not touch, taste, or smell anything in lab without permission.
3. Wear your safety goggles whenever working with flame, hot plates, glassware or chemicals.
4. If at anytime I feel that you are violating ANY safety policy you will be asked to leave the room and receive a ZERO for the day!

Behavior:
1. Respect!! Treat yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and all other faculty with the UTMOST RESPECT. Now that you are in High School you are expected to Act like young adults. Disrespecting one of your classmates will result in an immediate referral!
2. There is no need to bring jackets or coats into the classroom. Leave them in your locker
3. Do not groom in class. Grooming is private. Monkeys groom in public.
4. CD/tape players/Ipods should not be seen (SCHOOL POLICY). There may be times in class when I allow you to listen to them, but you MUST ASK PERMISSION!
5. Name calling is inappropriate and unacceptable, DO NOT DO IT!
6. REMAIN IN YOUR SEAT UNTIL THE BELL RINGS!
7. Bring your own materials to class, I will not provide writing utensils.
Pencils are sold for 25 cents each.
Class Work & Make-Up Work:
  1. Extra credit: One 10 point extra credit per chapter which is due before the next test.
Article Summary - Find a one page or longer article on chapter topic OR new discovery and write ten questions to the author. Attach copy of article to summary and label it with the chapter number for which the extra credit is for.
Video Summary - Record a video of new discovery on the news, TV show, or magazine how (60 minutes or 20/20) and write a one paragraph summary.
  1. Late work is accepted for full credit per the student handbook for excused
absences. All other late work will be accepted for half credit on the next day only
3. If you are absent, you must ask me about the work you missed. Together, we will work out a date when the assignment is to be handed in.
YOU (the student) are expected to collect any work that you have missed while you were absent. Also, YOU (the student) are responsible for turning in work not turned in with the class as a group, DO NOT EXPECT ME TO ASK FOR IT!
4. If you are absent on the day or two before a test, and are present on the day of the test, you must take the test since they are announced several days beforehand.
5. Cheating on any assignment or test will result in a grade of zero. School policy states that a referral is issued.